International Social Work

Lynne M. Healy, MSW, Ph.D. is Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor Emerita at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. She has lectured or consulted in more than 25 countries. Dr. Healy is currently the Main Representative to the United Nations in New York for the IASSW and serves on the editorial board of the Encyclopedia of Social Work and of several professional journals. Rebecca L. Thomas, PhD, is an Associate Professor and the Director of the University Of Connecticut School Of Social Work Center for International Social Work Studies. Dr. Thomas is the Chair of the Global Commission and represents IASSW on the NGO Committee on Migration at the United Nations. She also serves on the City of Hartford Commission on Immigrant on Immigrant Affairs.

Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments

1. International Social Work: Context and Definitions
Globalization: Why International Social Work?
What Is International Social Work?
Knowledge Base for International Social Work-Major Concepts
Countries Selected as Special Examples for the Text

PART I: THE CONTEXT OF INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK: CONCEPTS, ISSUES, AND ORGANIZATIONS
2. Theories and Concepts Underpinning International Social Work: Globalization
Globalization
The Impact of Globalization and Global Interdependence on Various Sectors
New Economic Crises and Reactions
Social Issues and Globalization: Two Examples
Prospects for Action: Opportunities in Globalization

3. Theories and Concepts Underpinning International Social Work: Development, Environment, and Sustainability
Defining Development
Brief History of Development Efforts
The Environmental Challenge
Social Work and Development
Summary on Development

4. Theories and Concepts Underpinning International Social Work: Human Rights
Human Rights Philosophy
Human Rights as a Regime of International Law
Human Rights and Social Work
Conclusion: Linking Development and Human Rights

5. Global Social Issues
Poverty
The Status of Women
Problems of Children in Difficult Circumstances
Aging
Natural and Man-Made Disasters
Conclusion

6. International Social Welfare Organizations and Their Functions
Introduction to Development and Development Assistance
United Nations Agencies and Activities
Governmental Agencies
Nongovernmental Organizations
Conclusion: Moving Forward

PART II: THE PROFESSION INTERNATIONALLY
7. The History of the Development of Social Work
International Development of the Profession
Conclusion

8. International Professional Action: A Selective History
Antecedents: Activism in the Social Movements of the Early Twentieth Century
Social Work Takes the World Stage: International Organizations
Direct Work in International Organizations: Three Examples
Conclusion

9. Social Work Around the World Today
Denmark
Jamaica
Ethiopia
Costa Rica
Armenia
Japan
United States
Similarities and Differences in the World of Social Work

PART III: INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK: VALUES, PRACTICE, AND POLICY
10. Values and Ethics for International Professional Action
Universalism Versus Cultural Relativism
Values and Ethics for International Professional Action
Conclusion and Recommendations

11. International Relief and Development Practice
Context and Content of International Relief and Development Practice
Social Work Roles in International Relief and Development
Lessons Learned From International Relief and Development: Program Principles
Conclusion: What International Practice Means for Social Work Domestically

12. International/Domestic Practice Interface
Transnational and Social Work With International Populations
International Adoption
Intercountry Casework
Social Work in Border Areas
International Practice Issues for Social Work Planners, Administrators, and Community Organizers
Policy Issues and Agency Boards
Conclusion

13. Understanding and Influencing Global Policy
International and Global Social Policy Defined
Rationale for Social Work Involvement: Policy Agenda and Professional Values
Global Social Policy Actions in Practice
Types of Policies and Strategies for Influence
Conclusion

PART IV: STRENGTHENING INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK: STRATEGIES AND CHALLENGES
14. International Exchange: An Essential Mechanism for International Social Work
Importance of International Exchange Relationships in Higher Education
Learning From Abroad: Comparative Policy Analysis and Technology Transfer
Mutual Exchange in Social Work
Study Abroad, International Field Placements, and Other Educational Exchanges
Technology and Exchange
The European Example: Exchange as a Tool to Promote Europeanization
Regulation and Labor Mobility for the Profession
Paradigm Shift in International Exchange
The Promise of International Connections for Developing the Profession
Preparation for International Social Work: Beyond Exchange Programs
Conclusion and Recommendations

15. Professional Action for Transformative Global Change
Essential Concepts for International Social Work
Social Work Values and Professional Issues
Social Work, Civil Society, and Transformative Global Change

Appendix A. Global Social Work Statement of Ethical Principles
Appendix B. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Selected Goals With Targets
Appendix C. Countries by Human Development Index Rankings
Appendix D. Milestones in the International History of Social Work Around the World

Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
Index